YANGON

Yangon (Burmese: ရန္ကုန္, MLCTS rankun mrui, pronounced: [jàɴɡòʊɴ mjo̰]; also known asRangoon, literally: "End of Strife") is a former capital of Burma (Myanmar) and the capital of Yangon Region. Yangon is the country's largest city with a population of over five million, and is the most important commercial centre, although the military governmentofficially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw in March 2006.[3]

Although Yangon's infrastructure is undeveloped compared to those of other major cities in Southeast Asia, it has the largest number of colonial buildings in the region today.[4]While many high-rise residential and commercial buildings have been constructed or renovated throughout downtown and Greater Yangon in the past two decades, most satellite towns that ring the city continue to be deeply impoverished.

The commercial capital of Myanmar, Yangon is a compelling mix of golden pagodas, colonial architecture, hastily-erected scaffolding and history-stained streets. As the country shifts towards a democracy, with the military government softening the controls they brutally exercised over the last half-century, massive change is underway. New cars clog Yangon's roads, and tourists stream into the city, hoping to make a buck and get a glimpse of a city that seems to have been trapped in time.

Yangon was the British colonial capital until Burma's independence in 1948, and it was the independent country's capital until 2005 (the official capital is now Naypyidaw). Located at the confluence of two rivers just before they empty out to the Andaman Sea, it has a large harbour -- the country's principal port -- and enjoys a much-needed coastal breeze. The city can get very hot and very wet; the hot season sizzles from February till June, with average high temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius, while the monsoons hit from June until October. November through February sees an average temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius and, weather-wise, is by far the best time to visit.

The city hosts the largest number of intact colonial buildings in Asia, although some might argue about the definition of "intact". The poorly maintained, crumbling buildings reflect a colorful history while providing a backdrop to the vibrant energy of Yangon's daily street life, bustling at their foundations.

Buddhist monks and nuns somehow blend into the crowded streets, drawing attention during their morning alms walks, with their sometimes block-long lines. Pagodas are abundant, but none is so famous as the one sitting atop a hill in the middle of Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda is a must-see.

Yangon may provide a bit of culture shock and awe. Bicycle rentals are now possible, traditional trishaws eke out an existence but taxis rule as the dominant vehicle.

Make sure to allow time to explore the nooks and crannies of the city slowly, as they will hold some of the most beautiful snippets of history and color; linger in tea shops and get to know the delicious local cuisine.

Government attractions such as the Drug Elimination Museum provide glimpses into social forces that have long been at work here, or visit markets such as Bogyoke Aung San and the late-night fish market. Art galleries are filled with quality, sought-after works.

For those who can't handle cities for too long, daily and weekend excursions can be undertaken, such as a mountain-bike treks through rubber tree plantations, villages and to the faux Golden Rock pagoda an hour outside of town. Take the ferry out to Dala for a look at the countryside or take a trip to Pyay for a weekend.

The average Yangoner is curious, open and ready for a joke. You will still meet people who are genuinely interested to meet you and share their stories; sometimes at an alarmingly quick rate you'll find out their political views and history. The people of Myanmar alone make a visit worthwhile.